Osgood Perkins strikes again with his chilling new film, The Monkey. Streaming now on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video, this latest venture follows in the footsteps of his previous work, the disturbingly inventive Longlegs. Here, Perkins adapts a Stephen King short story from 1980, intertwining horrific scenarios with dark comedy in a tale about a cursed toy monkey. With themes rooted in personal trauma and motherly sacrifice, the film prompts viewers to consider whether Perkins’ shadows of loss give the narrative the weight it desperately seeks.
THE MONKEY: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist: Meet the Shelburn twin brothers, Hal and Bill (both brilliantly portrayed by Christian Convery). Their seemingly normal life takes a wicked turn when their father, Petey (Adam Scott), attempts to rid himself of a cursed toy monkey—a decision that sets off a chain of devastating events. As the movie begins, we witness Petey frantically trying to dispose of the monkey, only to meet an ambiguous fate that leaves his sons and their mother, Lois (Tatiana Maslany), grappling with more than just grief. As Hal (Theo James) later reflects, “I don’t know if every father passes some secret horror on to their kids, but mine sure did.” These haunted words linger, echoing a legacy of chilling father-son dynamics layered within the film.
The Nightmare Unfolds
In the shadow of their father’s disappearance, Hal and Bill’s childhood is anything but ordinary. The discovery of the sinister monkey, marked with a tagline, “It’s like life,” becomes a catalyst for chaos. As Hal winds the toy, a grim pattern emerges: each time the monkey plays its horrific drum, someone must die—save for the winder. A comical yet tragic cycle begins as the brothers navigate gruesome misfortunes, revealing not just the supernatural consequences of their actions but also the buried trauma of their upbringing.
Comparative Thoughts
What to Expect: If you’re expecting a light-hearted story about a mischievous monkey, think again. The Monkey ventures into dark territory reminiscent of a wild collaboration between the Coen Brothers and Sam Raimi, wrapped in the twisted narrative style of Final Destination.
Standout Performances
Performance Worth Watching: Tatiana Maslany shines in her roles, delivering razor-sharp line-readings that raise the emotional stakes. However, her character doesn’t receive nearly enough screen time to leave a memorable impression. This film struggles to establish a true scene-stealer, as many characters feel like mere caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out personas.
Notable Dialogue: The dark humor reaches a peak when young Petey asks Hal about the monkey: “Stuff I got from my dad that I don’t want to give to you.”
Sparse Flesh: Sex and Skin
Sex and Skin: Absent. This film is more concerned with psychological horrors than physical ones.
Final Thoughts
Our Take: The Monkey reveals Perkins’ flair for creating twisted, inventive deaths that entertain a horror audience hungry for creative kills. It offers a smorgasbord of grotesque scenarios, punctuated by dark humor. Yet, as visually and conceptually engaging as it tries to be, the film falters under the weight of its messy storytelling. The characters, particularly Hal, feel underdeveloped, leading to a narrative that wanders without urgency or motivation. While Perkins aims for dark laughter, the dissonance between comedic intent and emotional depth ultimately distances the audience.
In truth, The Monkey can’t quite overcome its cluttered execution or the flawed protagonist portrayal. For those looking for a blend of horror and humor, this film serves up a cold dish. If you opt for an emotionally engaging experience, **SKIP IT**.
John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
